Maybe the Electric Cinema showed these movies while it was still open, or maybe not, but I think they are perfect picks for its independent aesthetic and unconventional programming.
El Topo
First up, we have "El Topo" from 1970, a mind-bending Western directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky from Mexico. This movie is a total trip—think gunslingers meets mystics in a bizarre, surreal desert landscape. It's packed with strange characters, violent showdowns, and profound, almost incomprehensible symbolism. Jodorowsky himself stars as El Topo, a gunslinger on a quest for enlightenment, and the film quickly became a cult favourite for its audacious style and off-the-wall storytelling.
Eraserhead
Then there's "Eraserhead," a 1977 film by David Lynch from the USA. This one is a full-on nightmare captured on film. It's about a guy named Henry who lives in an industrial wasteland and has to care for his deformed, constantly crying mutant baby. The black-and-white visuals are haunting, the sound design is unsettling, and the whole thing feels like a fever dream. Lynch's debut feature set the stage for his career of making the weird and wonderful.
The Holy Mountain
Jumping back to Jodorowsky with "The Holy Mountain" from 1973, also from Mexico. If you thought "El Topo" was wild, buckle up for this one. It's a visually stunning journey through a world of bizarre and often shocking imagery, following a Christ-like figure and a group of people seeking enlightenment atop a holy mountain. This film is a blend of mysticism, satire, and psychedelic art, making it a truly unique experience.
Tetsuo: The Iron Man
"Tetsuo: The Iron Man," a 1989 film from Japan directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, is next on the list. This one's a cyberpunk horror masterpiece that’s both disturbing and fascinating. Imagine a guy turning into a metal monster, with drills and wires sprouting from his body, all set in a frantic, almost claustrophobic style. The film is gritty, raw, and pulsating with an industrial soundtrack that perfectly matches its intense visuals.
Pink Flamingos
"Pink Flamingos" from 1972, directed by John Waters in the USA, is infamous for its shock value. This movie is all about Divine, a drag queen, vying for the title of the "filthiest person alive." It's filled with outrageous scenes, dark humour, and transgressive content that challenges social norms. Waters' low-budget, trashy aesthetic has made "Pink Flamingos" a cornerstone of underground cinema.
La Jetée
"La Jetée," a 1962 film from France by Chris Marker, is a sci-fi classic told almost entirely through still photographs. It's a post-apocalyptic tale of time travel and memory, centred on a man haunted by a childhood image. This film's innovative use of stills to tell a narrative story creates a haunting and poetic experience that’s left a lasting impact on the genre.
Sweet Movie
"Sweet Movie," a 1974 film by Dušan Makavejev from Yugoslavia/France, is an insanely provocative mix of political satire, surrealism, and sexual liberation. It follows two wildly different women—one a beauty queen, the other an anarchist—and their bizarre, often shocking adventures. The film’s boundary-pushing content led to it being banned in several countries, but it's celebrated by those who appreciate its daring approach.
Hausu
"Hausu" (House), a 1977 Japanese film directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, is like nothing you've ever seen. It's a horror-comedy that follows a group of schoolgirls who visit a haunted house where the weirdest stuff happens—think killer pianos, evil spirits, and psychedelic visuals. The film’s over-the-top style and campy special effects make it a wildly entertaining ride.
Begotten
Next is "Begotten," a 1989 experimental horror film from the USA by E. Elias Merhige. This one's dark, disturbing, and completely devoid of dialogue. It starts with a gruesome scene of a god disembowelling itself and goes on to depict a series of symbolic, almost mythological events. The grainy black-and-white visuals and haunting, wordless narrative make "Begotten" a uniquely unsettling experience.
Gummo
Finally, we have "Gummo" from 1997, directed by Harmony Korine in the USA. This film dives into the lives of kids in a small, tornado-stricken town in Ohio. It’s a mix of documentary-style footage and scripted scenes, painting a raw and gritty picture of disaffected youth. "Gummo" is known for its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its blend of shocking, sometimes absurd imagery, making it a standout in underground cinema.
These films are all wild rides, breaking conventions and taking viewers into uncharted territory with their bold storytelling and distinctive styles. If only the Electric Cinema was still open and we could go watch them there.
